Lymphoma

Lymphoma is the third most common type of childhood cancer. It accounts for around 10% of childhood cancer diagnoses, affecting 160 chidlren a year in the UK. Lymptoma is split into two main groups: Hodgkin lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Symptoms of Lymphoma

Chidlren with lymphoma can have a number of symptoms at diagnosis. They may include:

Hodgkin lymphoma

​Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is distinguished from other types of lymphoma by the type of cancer cell formed – the Reed-Sternberg cell. The exact cause of HL is unknown but there is increasing evidence that infections such as glandular fever may play a part.

HL accounts for 41% of all childhood lymphoma diagnoses

HL affects mainly older children

Boys twice as likely to be diagnosed as girls

Survival rates are very good at 96% 5 year survival

​The mainstay of treatment is chemotherapy with around a half of children receiving radiotherapy as well.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

​There are two main types of Non Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): B cell and T cell NHL

​NHL accounts for about 60% of lymphoma in children with around 85 children diagnosed evvery year in the UK

NHL is rare in babies

Boys are twice as likely to be diagnosed with NHL as girls

Children diangosed do relatively well with 88% 5 year survival

​Treatment depends on how the stage of the tumour and the cell types. Generally, B cell NHL requires 4- 8 courses of intensive chemotherapy, whereas treatment for T-cell NHL can take 2 years.

If you are reading this page:

If you are reading this page, the likelihood is that you are worried your child or a child close to you may have cancer. Alternatively, they may have recently been diagnosed. If you have any concerns or queries, please discuss them with a member of your child's health care team. If you are unsure, it is always better to have your child reviewed.